Eng_thru_Pix_Prototype


 * ** Is this the ideal resource for **
 * non-literate, older Somali **
 * English Learners? **

I'm planning basic English Instruction for a group of Somali Elders living in public assistance high rise senior living centers.

The problem is that in general, they read neither English nor Somali. At the same time, like most people from oral cultures, they're able to perform prodigies of oral memorization.

My question: What resource will allow them to work on their English when I'm not in the room?

The answer: Possibly I.A. Richards "English Through Pictures" from the 1930's //**wit**//**h //the accompanying audio CD's.//** > these folks don't have computers, > smart phones, or internet > > cd or mp3 players > > ** and a CD player **
 * we have to go low-tech because
 * but they do have -- or can get -- cheap
 * so the ** resource demands: a book, a CD, **

As Socrates noted, __reading and writing is primarily__ __a mnemonic technology__ ... the question is whether this will be a viable mnemonic technology in the absence of that? || || media type="file" key="CD-001.mp3" width="240" height="20" ||
 * media type="file" key="CD-002.mp3" width="240" height="20"\
 * media type="file" key="CD-002.mp3" width="240" height="20"\

|| T he pages start easy with   illustrations designed to make   the meaning transparent.

As the student's stock of language builds up, the language used becomes increasingly complex. (See the example from page 81 below.)

But still, Richards favors "here and now" sentences -- with high levels of support from the pictures.

This would all be supplemented with communicative activities during class to activate the language.

But the goal is to put students more in control of their own learning. I'll let folks know how this turns out. || media type="file" key="CD-002.mp3" width="240" height="20" ||
 * || media type="file" key="CD-078.mp3"

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